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Michael Levi of the Council on Foreign Relations takes an excellent first stab at making sense of America’s new energy resources in his new book, "The Power Surge: Energy, Opportunity and the Battle for America’s Future" writes The Economist magazine.

The Economist: "The book’s main strength is the clarity with which the author explains the development of shale exploitation and assesses the implications of the shale boom. Fracking remains controversial among environmentalists, who say the process may contaminate groundwater or cause earthquakes. Concerns over possible long-term effects have led to a ban on the technology in New York and some other states. But there is scant evidence that the process is dangerous.

"Mr Levi’s thesis has an unusual twist. Rather than accepting that shale enthusiasts and environmentalists will never see eye to eye, he reckons both sides should work together."